With reference to my earlier letter which you so kindly published re: The Cross.
What a pity you ran out of space and missed off the suggestion that planning permission be granted for the development of the land just south of the A38 as one exits the tunnel at Saltash on entering Cornwall. A housing estate in the form of a Celtic Cross would be so original. Missed opportunity. Friends have suggested that a non distracting place for the Cross would be RAT Island in the mouth of the river Lyner.
The following suggestions was submitted to the County as a result of their request for ideas.
The outline of a Cornish engine house and stack to be built upon the high ground near to the Comprehensive School so as to be in clear view as one drove down Parksway approaching the Tamar road bridge at Saltash from the Devon side.
The artificial chimney to house at the false top a tele-lens-video camera which would give an extensive panoramic view from Plymouth, The Tamar, The Mew Stone, The Lyner, Dartmoor, Kit Hill etc.
Also a night vision camera and a night vision sky scan device linked to a summation computer for time period observations to collect details of the night sky.
The engine house to contain a studio/lecture theatre for control and presentation of the gathered information with group and personal viewing/control of the cameras eye.
To broaden the gathering of data/viewing area satellite cameras could be placed at Kit Hill and Rame Church from which a much more extensive coverage could be obtained including the Channel. The satellite station would have a line of sight linkage to the main studio.
With additional finance about five main studios would link the whole of Cornwall into one 'appy family.
Use:- pub quizzes between studios, council meetings, school links, specialised teaching sessions, county information meetings, community spirit generation etc. I had a very favourable reply and was advised to consult many bodies and raise the finance. As they had only asked for suggestions I filed all the costings etc, I had provided into the W.P.B.
It has been suggested to me that such a provision would prove a bit too progressive for the inhabitants of Cornwall.
TERRY BICKFORD
Saltash.